Everything You Need to Know About 42mm i.63 od Plastic Pipe for Shelves

Are you planning to build shelves? Want something cheap, light, and easy to install? Then you should try 42mm i.63 od plastic pipe for shelves. This pipe is strong enough for everyday use. It’s simple to cut, and very flexible in design.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything about it. From its features to uses, benefits to how-to steps, we cover it all. Let’s begin.

What Is 42mm i.63 od Plastic Pipe?

Let’s break it down:

• 42mm stands for the outer diameter of the pipe.

• i.63 typically refers to inner diameter or wall thickness (varies by brand).

• Plastic pipe means it’s made from PVC, CPVC, or polyethylene.

Together, this pipe is a round plastic tube that’s ideal for shelf support. It’s strong, yet not heavy. You can find it in most hardware stores.

Why Use It for Shelves?

You may ask—why not just use wood or metal? Here’s why this plastic pipe is a great choice:

1. Lightweight

Plastic is much lighter than wood or metal. You can carry it easily, even in long lengths.

2. Strong Enough

Don’t let the lightness fool you. It supports books, tools, storage boxes, and more. Just don’t overload it.

3. Easy to Work With

You don’t need special tools. A simple hand saw is enough. It’s also safe—no sharp metal edges.

4. Water-Resistant

Perfect for damp places like bathrooms or basements. It doesn’t rust or rot.

5. Budget-Friendly

Plastic pipes are much cheaper than wood or metal. Great for large or multi-level shelves.

6. Versatile

Cut it, bend it, join it—this pipe works with many layouts. Use T-joints, elbows, or straight connectors to shape your design.

Where to Use It

You can use 42mm i.63 od plastic pipe for shelves almost anywhere. It’s great for:

• Garage shelves – store tools and car items

• Kitchen shelves – hold jars, cans, or cleaning products

• Closet shelves – organize clothes, shoes, or bags

• Bathroom racks – store toiletries

• Kids’ rooms – hold toys or books

• Living rooms – build display units or TV shelves

• Balconies – create small plant racks

Types of Shelves You Can Build

Here are a few ideas you can try:

1. Wall-Mounted Shelves

Attach the frame to the wall using brackets. It saves floor space.

2. Free-Standing Units

Stand-alone racks work well in garages or basements. Easy to move.

3. Corner Shelves

Fit into unused corners and maximize space.

4. Tiered Racks

Stack 2–4 levels vertically. Great for small spaces.

5. Rolling Carts

Add wheels to the bottom and build a mobile storage cart.

With this pipe, your designs are nearly endless.

Step-by-Step: Build a Shelf with 42mm i.63 od Plastic Pipe

Let’s go through a simple method to build a 3-tier shelf.

What You Need:

• 42mm i.63 od plastic pipe (cut to size)

• Shelf boards (wood or MDF)

• Pipe cutter or handsaw

• T-connectors and elbow joints

• Screws or pipe glue

• Tape measure

• Screwdriver or drill

Step 1: Plan the Design

Measure your space. Draw a rough sketch. Decide how many tiers you want. Choose the height and width.

Step 2: Cut the Pipe

Use a pipe cutter or saw. Cut vertical and horizontal pipes. Make sure cuts are clean.

Step 3: Assemble the Frame

Join pipes using connectors. Use elbows at the corners. Use T-joints where needed.

Step 4: Add the Boards

Place one shelf board on each level. Screw or clamp it to the frame.

Step 5: Test the Shelf

Make sure it stands evenly. Place light items first. Gradually load more.

How Strong Is It?

This pipe can support light to medium loads.

• Books – Yes

• Shoes – Yes

• Tools – Some

• Plants – Yes

• Electronics – Light items only

For extra strength:

• Keep shelf width under 3 feet

• Add central support

• Use thicker shelf boards

• Fix frame to the wall

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ Lightweight
✅ Easy to cut and fit
✅ Rust-free and waterproof
✅ Cheap and widely available
✅ Customizable shapes
✅ Low skill needed

Cons:

❌ Not good for heavy-duty use
❌ May bend if unsupported
❌ Needs bracing for long shelves
❌ Limited aesthetic (unless painted)

Extra Tips for Best Results

• Always measure twice, cut once

• Use zip ties to hold shelves tight

• Paint the pipe if you want color

• Use corner braces for strength

• Choose thick boards for better stability

Maintenance Tips

This pipe needs very little care.

• Wipe with damp cloth

• Clean joints every few months

• Avoid heavy impact

• Check for loose connections

• Tighten screws if needed

Cheat Sheet: 42mm i.63 od Plastic Pipe for Shelves

Project Checklist ✅

Before you start, check everything below:

✔️ Measure your space
✔️ Decide shelf height, width, and depth
✔️ Buy 42mm i.63 od plastic pipe
✔️ Get connectors, glue, or screws
✔️ Choose shelf board material
✔️ Cut the pipes cleanly
✔️ Assemble the frame step-by-step
✔️ Test fit and make adjustments
✔️ Secure shelves with screws or ties
✔️ Load your items—start light, test balance

Where to Buy This Pipe

You can find it in:

• Home improvement stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s)

• Plumbing supply shops

• Online (Amazon, eBay, Alibaba)

• Local hardware stores

When shopping, double-check:

• Pipe diameter: 42mm

• Wall thickness: i.63 or close

• Material: PVC or CPVC

• Color: white or gray is most common

Popular Questions

Is it safe for indoor use?

Yes. It’s non-toxic and does not release fumes. It’s commonly used in homes.

Can I paint it?

Yes. Use spray paint made for plastic. Clean the surface before painting.

Will it hold heavy tools?

Only small ones. Add extra supports if storing weighty items.

Can I use it outdoors?

Yes, if the plastic is UV-resistant. Otherwise, paint it or place it in shade.

Is this pipe reusable?

Absolutely! Take it apart and reuse for new projects.

Design Ideas from Real DIYers

Idea 1: Rustic Bookshelf

Use brown boards with white plastic pipes. Place books, frames, and plants.

Idea 2: Rolling Craft Cart

Attach wheels to the base. Use 3 tiers to hold your art supplies.

Idea 3: Plant Stand

Use in balconies. Add holes in boards for drainage. Perfect for small pots.

Idea 4: Toy Organizer

Add bins instead of boards. Great for storing toys in kids’ rooms.

Idea 5: Bathroom Rack

Use plastic mesh shelves. Store towels, soaps, and cleaning bottles.

Each idea shows how flexible and creative you can get with this pipe.

Final Thoughts

If you want to build shelves that are easy, strong, and affordable—42mm i.63 od plastic pipe for shelves is a great choice. It’s a favorite for beginners and pros alike. The pipe is simple to cut, carry, and fit. Plus, it’s cheap and lasts long.

You can use it in any room. You can build racks, trolleys, or storage towers. And best of all, you don’t need to be a pro to work with it.

So grab a few pipes, plan your design, and start building today. You’ll be surprised how easy it is!